Istanbul-based streetwear brand Les Benjamins has released a design-led tennis wear collection, celebrating the game itself and dropping some fantastic sporting history in the process.
While Turkey is yet to have a tennis Grand Slam winner amongst their ranks, the new collection from Les Benjamins takes inspiration from the nation’s long connection with the game, which began in Istanbul’s Tarabya neighbourhood in the 1800s.
The neighbourhood was home to British Levantines who, as tennis fans, came together to launch a tournament, calling it the Challenge Cup. The competition was held in the gardens of the Summer Palace Hotel on its two tennis courts and was advertised across the city, even gaining attention from further afield. During the Ottoman era, the Challenge Cup became a real sporting occasion in the region, and was a highly anticipated part of the annual calendar.
Featuring pieces for both men and women, the new collection features tennis essentials such as polo shirts, sports shorts, as well as classic Les Benjamins-style pieces that include bomber jackets and graphic branded t-shirts. The 27-piece collection combines traditional, classic court styles with creative new designs, playing with breathable, tech fabrics, jersey, stripes, tracksuits, polo necks and the brand’s signature bold prints. The collection’s central colours are white, black and green, reminiscent of manicured lawns, hardcourts and traditional tennis attire.
HIghlights of the men’s collection include the sleek black Jeffrey Tracksuit branded with ‘Les Benjamins Sports Club’, a striped William Rugby Polo, tan William Bomber Jacket and t-shirts in white, black and racing green.
Meanwhile, the Les Benjamins Sports Club logo plays into a nice retro feel, with designs also spinning off the theme via tennis balls and imagery of old-school tennis players.
Not simply about a tennis vintage, however, Les Benjamins has also partnered with current Turkish tennis stars Altug Celikbilek and Ipek Oz for the campaign.